5 March 2010
Little rain as storages continue decline
A week of minimal rainfall has seen water storages drop by 0.3% of capacity.
The decrease represents an overall decline of 6.3 billion litres.
The major catchments received between 2.6 to 11.0 mm of rain during the week, with an average of 6.5 mm.
This was 40% below the long-term average for the period, 10.9 mm. As a result, streamflow into the major reservoirs was below par. The 2.0 billion litres of streamflow was 30% below the average of 2.9 billion litres.
With dry conditions in the catchments, consistent rain over days and weeks is needed for storages to increase.
Storages are now 34.7% (627.9 billion litres) full, compared with 30.6% (543.2 billion litres) at the same time last year.
Residential water consumption was above the Target of 155 litres per person per day.
Melburnians used an average of 164 litres each a day.
More information on restrictions and tips on how to reach the target are available from Target 155 or by contacting the government water retailers.
Stage 3a restrictions and Target 155 are currently in place.
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Media Contact: Andrew McGinnes +613 9235 7277 +61 (0)403 930 846